New York National Guard Trained for Wildfire Suppression
Army National Guard aircrews practiced aerial water bucket drops to prepare for future emergency response missions.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Emergency Response
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New York Army National Guard pilots conducted intensive wildfire suppression training from September 16 to September 18. The exercise, which involved dropping water from UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, ensured crews are prepared to assist local agencies during fire emergencies.
Why it matters
Regular aerial training is critical because pilots must master the complex task of flying safely while managing the significant two-ton weight of a filled water bucket. These drills maintain readiness for emergency wildfire suppression requests across the state.
Training crews utilized 560-gallon buckets that weigh two tons when filled, practicing pickups from the Hudson River. This preparation follows a March 2025 wildfire on Long Island where combined National Guard efforts dropped 42,480 gallons of water.
The players
New York Army National Guard
This military reserve force provides aerial support and emergency response capabilities for the state of New York.
New York Department of Environmental Conservation
This state agency manages natural resources and oversees forest ranger operations during wildland fire incidents.
The details
During the exercises based at Garnsey Airport in Schuylerville, aircrews worked alongside six forest rangers from the New York Department of Environmental Conservation. The training requires precise communication between a ranger inside the helicopter and a ground-based ranger to position the aircraft for accurate drops.
Timeline
March 8, 2025: National Guard aircrews deployed to fight a wildfire on Long Island.
September 16-18, 2026: Long Island and Rochester aviators conducted bucket training.
September 18, 2026: Albany-based crews practiced wildfire response training.
Seasonal Patterns
This training follows the operational lessons learned during the March 2025 Long Island wildfire. The exercises ensure that current crews maintain the high level of coordination required to suppress incidents similar to the 600-acre blaze faced last year.
Residents should remain aware of local fire danger levels and follow official guidance from the Department of Environmental Conservation during dry conditions. In the event of a fire, avoid any areas where aviation crews are actively performing water drops.
The takeaway
Maintaining specialized aerial firefighting capabilities allows the state to deploy critical resources quickly when ground crews face inaccessible terrain. Residents can help by staying informed on burn bans and fire safety regulations during high-risk seasons.
Further reading
Learn more about the state's readiness efforts in the Emergency Response section.
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